With HBO's Baghdad ER turning war wounds into TV profits no wonder why free Memorial Day Golf remains elusive

On last Memorial Day, I wrote urging golf courses to give veterans free golf on this day of honor as a small gesture. The movement hasn’t exactly taken off. It’s still very hit and miss - the way Pistons center Ben Wallace is 0-for-7 hit and miss at the free throw line.

There are a few courses stepping up. Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando made it free golf for anyone with a military ID today - which includes active, retired and National Guard personnel (everybody who’s ever served).

But mostly, Memorial Day’s still just another day to squeeze out some big summer weekend profits for golf courses.

Which isn’t any surprise. Just look what’s happening elsewhere. Real life soldiers are only recognized when they can be turned into reality characters for a TV drama. HBO’s Baghdad ER is drawing plenty of acclaim for its unflinching, bloody portrayal of the Iraq war wounded.

What’s getting less notice is how some veterans are upset that all the profits from the show aren’t being donated to U.S. soliders. The show’s secured unprecedented access to military emergency operating rooms. And it’s making money off this. Just like an American Idol episode cashes in off horrible singing.

There’s something a little unsettling about that.

Come on, HBO. You don’t need the money. The Sopranos just by itself is a cash-printing machine that will cha-ching on long after Tony finally gets whacked.

Give everyone an example. There are damn sure a number of golf courses that could use it.